Arborist sought for Seattle’s Urban Forestry Commission

Councilmember Richard Conlin

Arborist sought for Seattle’s Urban Forestry Commission

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council is looking for a new Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) member to fill the Arborist role in Position # 5. The term would start upon selection and extend through December 1, 2014.

To be considered, applicants must have board certification as a Master Arborist or Municipal Specialist from the International Society of Arboriculture; or certification by the American Society of Consulting Arborists; or background and experience in Tree Risk Assessment from a recognized credential agency or a professional organization.

This position is appointed by City Council for a renewable, three-year term. The nine-member UFC consists of a wildlife biologist; an urban ecologist; a representative of a local, state or federal natural resource agency or an accredited university; a hydrologist; a certified arborist; a representative of a non-profit or non-governmental organization; a representative of the development community or a representative from a non-city utility; and an economist, financial analyst, or Washington State licensed real estate broker.

The Urban Forestry Commission was established in 2009, by Ordinance 123052 to advise the Mayor and City Council concerning the establishment of policy and regulations governing the protection, management, and conservation of trees and vegetation in the City of Seattle. Commission meetings are held twice a month on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Commission members generally must commit approximately 10 hours per month to Commission business and serve without compensation. Additional information about the Urban Forestry Commission can be found here.

The City of Seattle set the bold goal of achieving 30 percent tree canopy cover by 2037 to increase the environmental, social, and economic benefits trees bring to Seattle residents. The 2007 Seattle Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) is a comprehensive strategy for increasing Seattle’s tree canopy cover to meet the 30 percent target. The UFMP lays out goals and a broad range of actions to be implemented over time to preserve, maintain, and plant trees as well as restore the public forested areas remaining in the city. More information about Seattle’s urban forest program.